“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age..” (Titus 2:11-12).
Paul records and reminds us of some profound truths in the second chapter of Titus. He says that the greatest gift ever given to mankind, salvation, was motivated by God’s grace. A grand and priceless gift was freely given from His perfect heart. The gift of Christ is then to motivate us in return to live contrary to our instincts. We willingly give up and give back to God because it’s a response to His love and grace.
While the English translations certainly capture the intended meaning of the text (Titus 2.11-12), there’s some weightier implications that can be found when we take a closer look at the word “No” or “deny” in verse twelve. The word (or: renounce, no, deny) means “to act entirely unlike himself” (STRONGS, G720).
In context we find that it’s our grace-given salvation that teaches us how to act entirely unlike ourselves. Why would someone renounce ungodliness and worldly passions of all kinds? What incentive does one have to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives? The reason (love and grace) that God gave us His son (our salvation) is what should motivate us to love and live juxtaposed to the rest of the world. It is beautifully simple and elucidates the perfect God that we can happily serve.
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